Talks began back in 2017 between county officials and TxDOT when the surge in energy sector traffic was causing crashes to increase and road surfaces to decline. A series of public meetings were held, and the public and elected officials provided input. A temporary traffic signal was installed in 2017 to reduce the number of crashes at the intersection. From 2010-2017 there were 79 crashes at this intersection. From 2018 to present there have been 22 crashes.
Since SH 158 is the predominant highway, the overpass will be built on this road over SH 137. The project includes new frontage roads, which will begin roughly ¾ mile to the east and west of the intersection of SH 137.
Since 2017, TxDOT has been working with utility companies to relocate fiber optic cable, electric, gas, and water lines. They also have been purchasing right-of-way and designing the intersection.
